Conclusive Link' Between Fracking, Aquifer Contamination Found in Texas

Conclusive Link' Between Fracking, Aquifer Contamination Found in Texas

Scientists say water samples from Texas man's well show identical chemical signatures from nearby gas drilling operations


http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2014/06/06-1

TerraPower

Case | HBS Case Collection | November 2012 (Revised December 2013)

TerraPower


http://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=43679

Sustained Collaboration Key to Ocean Health

Sustained Collaboration Key to Ocean Health

Black Clown Fish
Black Clown fish. (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)
Despite serious threats to the oceans as a result of human activities, IAEA environmental expert David Osborn says he's optimistic about the future.
"It's easy to become despondent about threats like pollution, overfishing and ocean acidification. But I have great faith in the international community. I have faith in the capacity of our Member States to actively address the problems facing our oceans," says Osborn, who is the Director of the IAEA Environment Laboratories in Monaco and Seibersdorf, Austria. "The key to success is informed, targeted and sustained collaboration. Only by working together do we have the power to protect the ocean."
One of the IAEA's most significant areas for enhanced collaboration in marine affairs is ocean acidification (OA), which occurs as oceans absorb the rising quantities of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. When dissolved, the carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid, creating a more acidic environment, which can threaten marine ecosystems.
The Agency helps its Member States address the problem by funding and conducting research on the effects of OA on marine life, ecosystems and coastal environments.
"If Member States are armed with the correct information about the changes occurring at a broad level and at an individual species and ecosystem level, and about the changes occurring in the short and long term, they have the capacity to put in place the policy reforms and legislation needed to address these challenges.
"Because of the work that the IAEA and the global scientific community are undertaking to provide governments and policymakers with these key answers, I am positive about the oceans. I'm concerned, but I'm also positive at the same time," says Osborn.
The IAEA actively seeks to foster cooperation among Member States, international entities, and private organisations, as well as build partnerships that will address the issue of OA.
In this vein, the IAEA launched the Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centre in 2012 to support activities in the field, as well as facilitate, promote and communicate global actions on ocean acidification. It serves the needs of not only the scientific community, but policymakers, universities, media and the general public.
The Centre is overseen by an Advisory Board consisting of representatives from leading institutions, including the U.N. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, the OA-Reference User Group, as well as leading scientists and economists in the field.
The IAEA's activities also include promoting discussion that can lead to action.
Last year's Scientific Forum, held on the margins of the 57th IAEA General Conference, brought together scientists, experts and policymakers from different fields to initiate dialogue about the protection and preservation of ecological balance, which is vital for the survival of coastal regions and the marine environment.

- By Sasha Henriques, IAEA Office of Public Information and Communication

Fuel cycle roundup #27

Fuel cycle roundup #27
• First consignment from Cooke • Business as usual at Kazakh operations • Areva wins Vattenfall contract • Paladin progress • Skyharbour buys into Athabasca Basinhttp://www.world-nuclear-news.org/ENF-Fuel-cycle-roundup-27-0606147.html

Contract for Iter remote handling system

Contract for Iter remote handling system
A contract has been awarded for the supply of a remote handling system for installing, maintaining and recovering components of the international Iter fusion project's Tokamak during its operational life.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Contract-for-Iter-remote-handling-system-0606144.html

Six new nuclear reactors per year planned in China

 Six new nuclear reactors per year planned in China

Six new nuclear reactors per year planned in China

The CGNPC Yangjiang nuclear power base under construction in Guangdong, March 26. (File photo/CNS)
The CGNPC Yangjiang nuclear power base under construction in Guangdong, March 26. (File photo/CNS)
The Chinese government has said many times since the end of 2013 that it will build more nuclear power plants in the coastal areas of eastern China without compromising the region's safety.
On May 16, the National Development and Reform Commission, the National Energy Administration and the Ministry of Environment Protection disclosed a program, saying that they will press forward with the construction of safe and efficient nuclear power plants, which they said are one of the country's important energy sources.
Pan Ziqiang, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, told Shanghai's China Business News that nuclear power was a practical option for China to check air pollution.

http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?cid=1201&MainCatID=12&id=20140605000162&utm_content=buffer52c86&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Opinion: Europe Needs Gas Supply Diversification Now

Opinion: Europe Needs Gas Supply Diversification Now

By Ryan Ouwerkerk
Merkel And Medvedev Inaugurate Nord Stream Gas Pipeline
In light of recent events in Ukraine, it is in imperative that the European Union break the stranglehold that Russia currently has on the European natural gas market, and begin the search to diversify their sources of natural gas. By doing so, the European Union can insulate itself from the deleterious economic effects that may

Why Barclays just downgraded the entire utility sector

Why Barclays just downgraded the entire utility sector

By Smart Grid News
Hot Weather Puts California Power Grid On Alert
Quick Take:  We’ve talked a lot about the dangers utilities face if they ignore disruptive technologies such as solar + storage. Here’s another challenge. They could end up paying more for the cost of capital. Some analysts think utilities are blind to the coming realities and they are warning investors to stay away. – Jesse Berst  Barclays

The Year of Concentrating Solar Power: Five New Plants to Power America with Clean Energy

The Year of Concentrating Solar Power: Five New Plants to Power America with Clean Energy

By US Department of Energy
8720322063_4ea54d62a9_b
Solar is increasingly providing clean, sustainable energy for our nation’s homes, businesses and industries. Clocking record-breaking growth and reaching a total of more than 4,700 megawatts of new installed capacity, 2013 was a big year for solar photovoltaic systems. But we’re also excited to watch 2014, which will mark a major milestone for a different

CNBC at VC Summer

CNBC at VC Summer

 
Mary Thompson of CNBC filed this report from VC Summer Nuclear Station on hiring in the nuclear industry. She'll be filing another report later today during CNBC's Power Lunch: 

http://neinuclearnotes.blogspot.com/2014/06/cnbc-visits-vc-summer-nuclear-station.html

The Godzilla Movie and the Parallel with Fukushima


The Godzilla Movie and the Parallel with Fukushima

There is a parallel between the new Godzilla movie and Fukushima, but not as it appears on the surface. In both cases, a nuclear plant accident is used as a cover-up for the real problem-at-hand.

http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-commentary.html

Oceans worth up to $222 bln annually in CO2 capture

Oceans worth up to $222 bln annually in CO2 capture
Bonn (AFP) June 04, 2014 - By absorbing carbon emissions from the atmosphere, the seas avert climate damage worth up to $222 billion (163 billion euros) every year, according to an estimate released on Thursday. Fish catches are worth another $16 billion annually, according to the report by a non-governmental watchdog, the Global Ocean Commission, which hopes that by setting an economic price on the value of internati ... morehttp://www.terradaily.com/reports/Oceans_worth_up_to_222_bln_annually_in_CO2_capture_999.html

Westinghouse Picks 3 Bulgarian Companies for Kozloduy NPP -

Westinghouse Picks 3 Bulgarian Companies for Kozloduy NPP - See more at: http://www.novinite.com/articles/161060/Westinghouse+Picks+3+Bulgarian+Companies+for+Kozloduy+NPP#sthash.ifXIHtvW.dpuf
Westinghouse Picks 3 Bulgarian Companies for Kozloduy NPP 
http://www.novinite.com/articles/161060/Westinghouse+Picks+3+Bulgarian+Companies+for+Kozloduy+NPP

Idaho Lab turns minor waste pact change into $25 million in programs

Idaho Lab turns minor waste pact change into $25 million in programs


Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/06/04/3219061/idaho-lab-turns-minor-waste-pact.html#storylink=cpy

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/06/04/3219061/idaho-lab-turns-minor-waste-pact.html

Sellafield sludge plant handed over

Sellafield sludge plant handed over
A new £240 million ($402 million) facility to handle radioactive sludge at the UK's Sellafield site has been handed over for final trials after the completion of a six-year construction project.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/WR-Sellafield-sludge-plant-handed-over-0506147.html

Fuel loading at Fuqing 1

Fuel loading at Fuqing 1
The loading of fuel assemblies into the reactor core of unit 1 at the Fuqing plant in China's Fujian province is underway in preparation for startup.http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Fuel-loading-at-Fuqing-1-0506145.html

Fukushima Updates 6/5/14 -

Fukushima Updates 6/5/14 -

Tepco has found a leakage point out of unit #1 primary containment (PCV)... Construction of the “ice wall” at Fukushima Daiichi has begun... The on-going sea discharge of uncontaminated groundwater goes virtually un-noticed... The Asahi Shimbun says that government inspectors were the first to flee the Fukushima accident... Tokyo says they will release transcripts of 772 interviews recorded during the Diet’s accident investigation in 2012... The latest international nuclear plant issue is volcanic eruptions... Oxford Physics Professor Wade Allison says we should not fear radiation.

http://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-accident-updates.html

Science | From AAAS

Science | From AAAS

From the Science Podcast: an interview with Peter Burns about the properties of damaged nuclear fuel and developing better models for nuclear reactor
accidents. 


UK will have to gamble with nuclear safety to provide power, analyst warns

UK will have to gamble with nuclear safety to provide power, analyst warns

Safety limits of Britain's ageing nuclear power plants may have to be extended to avoid major blackouts

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jun/04/uk-may-need-to-gamble-with-nuclear-safety-to-avoid-blackouts

America’s Shale Revolution and the Dangerous Myth of Energy Independence

http://www.worldfinancialreview.com/?p=1820   

America’s Shale Revolution and the Dangerous Myth of Energy Independence
By Flynt Leverett and Hillary Mann Leverett
Proponents of energy independence enshrine America’s so-called “shale revolution” as a geopolitical game changer, enabling the United States to leverage its prospective exports of shale oil and gas to weaken uncooperative hydrocarbon powers. Below, Flynt Leverett and Hillary Mann Leverett argue that the shale revolution will not give the United States anything close to meaningful energy independence—something America shouldn’t seek anyway. The authors suggest that embracing the mythology of energy independence reinforces official Washington’s aversion to serious diplomacy with strategic rivals, thereby exacerbating America’s self-damaging and unnecessary confrontations with countries like Russia and Iran.

Improving NRC’s Internal Processes

Improving NRC’s Internal Processes

Dave Solorio
Branch Chief
Concerns Resolution Branch
 
differingopinionThe most effective organizations are constantly evaluating how well their processes work and looking for ways to improve them. The NRC uses many different tools to measure its organizational effectiveness. When we identify improvements that can be made, we try to find the best way to put those changes in place — and then we measure their effectiveness.
In 2006, recognizing the need for standardization to replace procedures that varied by office, the NRC created an agency-wide “non-concurrence” process. The process encourages employees to bring different views to management related to policy papers, technical and administrative determinations, and other agency actions. And to do it as the supporting draft documents make their way through the management approval chain. The process is meant to promote the airing of views before final management decisions are made—in an effort to empower everyone involved and reach better decisions.
The NRC is fortunate to have so many talented, dedicated professionals–who may not always agree–and we appreciate their willingness to speak up. We encourage critical thinking and a questioning attitude not just among our licensees, but throughout our agency. As a safety regulator, the NRC recognizes the importance of an open, collaborative work environment, where people can raise concerns and differing views without fear of reprisal. Having an environment where people feel comfortable making varied views known supports our safety mission and makes for better decision-making.
My office recently evaluated the effectiveness of our non-concurrence process and used the results to revise the procedure for professional disagreements on draft documents. We feel confident these revisions will improve the process and allow the NRC to make the best possible decisions.
Our assessment provided encouraging feedback, but also identified areas where we have more work to do. On the positive side, we are encouraged NRC employees see the process as a way to be heard, understood and responded to. It’s also gratifying to see that most employees are aware of the process and would be willing to use it. On the other hand, some users of the process felt they faced negative consequences, or that their views were not reflected in final decisions. In many respects, the negative feedback was the most useful because it helps us target the areas where further improvement is needed.
For one thing, we are looking at ways to provide better training and clarify through that training and the revised procedure what is expected of supervisors who receive differing views, such as providing positive feedback for raising concerns. We are also working to make information on non-concurrence experiences (both positive and negative) more widely available.

Register for the 37th IAEE International Conference: Energy & the Economy [From Our Partner]




This is New York City(TM)
 
June 15–18, 2014
37th IAEE International Conference: Energy & the Economy
New Yorker Hotel
481 Eighth Ave. (bet. 34th and 35th Sts.)

Dear Energy Colleague,

We are looking forward to having you at the 37th IAEE Conference, New York City, NY, June 15-18, 2014. This year's conference will focus on the relationship between economic growth and energy. Linkages between two grow ever more important as economies around the world struggle to reinvigorate themselves and develop energy resources in sensible, sustainable ways. As the financial center of the United States, New York City is a place where multibillion-dollar bets are being laid on future growth and the technologies that will drive transformational change. The conference, as always, will also offer plentiful networking opportunities for professionals and students through informal receptions, breaks between sessions and interactive presentations.

We are pleased to announce that the conference registration is now open, come listen to and meet many of the world's leading energy economic experts for what promises to be one of the best IAEE conferences ever. For more information and to register please visit http://www.usaee.org/usaee2014/.

Some of the significant program updates and useful links include:
  1. For a complete lineup of our plenary sessions, please visit our full conference agenda.
  2. Behind the scenes New Yorker Hotel Power Generating Plant Tour on Sunday, June 15. View full social/technical tours here.
  3. We are very excited about our new Student Mentoring Program. For more information please click here.
  4. Please note that we anticipate a sellout crowd at the New York City conference. Given the high popularity of the conference, physical constraints at the hotel, and our desire to provide an excellent experience for all who attend, we will close registration when we reach 550 delegates. We strongly suggest you register early to ensure that you are able to participate at the conference. Visit http://www.usaee.org/usaee2014/onlineregistration.aspx to make your reservation.
We would be pleased if you would share this mail with your friends and colleagues to make them aware of this special conference.

We are looking forward to seeing you in NYC!
Register
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